Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets
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USA Rare Earth vs. NioCorp: Which Mining Stock Offers Better Prospects?
ZACKS· 2026-01-20 18:54
Core Insights - USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) and NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NB) are both engaged in the exploration and mining of minerals and metals in North America, benefiting from the rising demand in electric vehicles and renewable energy markets [2][3]. Group 1: USA Rare Earth (USAR) - USAR is advancing its Stillwater magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma, which will produce Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets for various high-growth industries [4]. - The company is focused on equipment installation and preparing for commissioning in early 2026, while also recruiting engineers and technicians to operate the facility [5]. - USAR's financial position improved through PIPE financing and warrant exercises, raising its cash balance to over $400 million by the end of Q3 2025, which will support upgrades and expansions at the Stillwater plant [6]. - The acquisition of Less Common Metals in November 2025 will provide a reliable source of critical metal and alloy feedstock for the Stillwater facility, positioning USAR for increased production capacity [7]. - Despite these advancements, USAR has not generated any revenues and has faced rising operational expenses, with selling, general, and administrative expenses increasing to $11.4 million in Q3 2025 from $0.8 million in the previous year [8]. Group 2: NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NB) - NioCorp is advancing its Elk Creek Project in Nebraska, which aims to produce niobium, scandium, titanium, and rare earth elements essential for electric vehicles and clean energy [9]. - The company received board approval for the Mine Portal Project in December 2025 and acquired additional land for the Elk Creek Project, enhancing its operational footprint [10]. - NioCorp raised approximately $60 million through public offerings in September 2025 to fund its initiatives, but faces dilution risks as it seeks $1.1 billion to reach production [12][13]. - The company has a deal with the U.S. Department of Defense to support engineering and drilling activities at the Elk Creek site, which is crucial for moving the project to commercial operation [11]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a projected loss of 68 cents per share for NioCorp in 2025, reflecting ongoing financial challenges [14]. Group 3: Comparative Analysis - In the past month, USAR's shares increased by 26%, while NB's stock gained 16.2% [16]. - USAR is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of negative 42.72X, compared to NioCorp's negative 13.04X [17]. - Given the current developments, USAR appears to be a more favorable investment option compared to NioCorp, which is still in the funding phase for its Elk Creek project [19].
USA Rare Earth Crosses 50-Day SMA: Should You Buy the Stock Now?
ZACKS· 2026-01-09 18:45
Core Viewpoint - USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) is showing positive market sentiment with its stock trading above key moving averages, indicating solid upward momentum and confidence in its financial health and long-term prospects [2][10]. Stock Performance - USAR shares have increased by 52.1% over the past six months, outperforming the S&P 500 composite growth of 19.4% and Zacks Mining - Miscellaneous industry's growth of 13.3% [4]. - Despite this growth, USAR has underperformed compared to industry peers NioCorp Developments Ltd. (NB) and Aura Minerals Inc. (AUGO), which surged by 110.5% and 117.9%, respectively [4]. Technical Indicators - The stock crossed its 50-day simple moving average (SMA), indicating a key support level, and is also trading above its 200-day moving average [2][9]. Company Developments - USAR is advancing its Stillwater magnet plant, with assembly and commissioning of Line 1a planned for early 2026 [9][11]. - The company has raised over $400 million and acquired Less Common Metals to secure feedstock and expand Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) output [9][13]. - The Stillwater facility aims to produce NdFeB magnets, essential for various high-growth applications, and is expected to be one of the first large-scale magnet plants in the U.S. [11]. Financial Position - As of November 2025, USAR's cash position exceeds $400 million, which is being utilized for upgrades at the Stillwater plant and to expand magnet finishing capabilities [13]. - The acquisition of Less Common Metals will provide critical metal and alloy feedstock for the Stillwater plant [14]. Operational Challenges - USAR has been in the exploration and research stages, incurring losses without generating revenues, and facing rising operational expenses that negatively impact margins [15]. - In Q3 2025, selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $11.4 million from $0.8 million year-over-year, driven by increased legal, consulting, and recruiting costs [15]. - Research and development expenses also increased to $4.45 million compared to $1.16 million in the previous year [16]. Valuation Metrics - USAR is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of negative 40.62X, significantly higher than the industry average of 17.04X, and compared to NioCorp and Aura Minerals at negative 12.15X and 6.42X, respectively [19]. Future Outlook - The progress at the Stillwater facility positions USAR for potential transformation towards commercial production, although near-term challenges such as rising costs and lack of revenues may impact performance [20].
Can USAR's Stillwater Facility Power Its Next Phase of Strength?
ZACKS· 2026-01-06 18:16
Core Insights - USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) is progressing towards commercial production at its Stillwater magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma, which will produce Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets essential for various high-growth markets [1][8] Group 1: Operational Progress - In 2025, USAR focused on equipment installation, assembling Line 1a, and preparing for commissioning in early 2026, while also hiring and training engineers and technicians to support operations [2] - The company is expected to achieve commercial-scale production and secure long-term customer contracts as a result of these operational enhancements [2] Group 2: Financial Position - USAR significantly improved its balance sheet through PIPE financing and warrant exercises, raising its cash position to over $400 million as of November 2025 [3] - The capital is being allocated for plant upgrades, expanding magnet finishing capabilities, and completing Line 1b, which will increase total NdFeB magnet production capacity to approximately 1,200 metric tons [3] Group 3: Strategic Acquisitions - In November 2025, USAR acquired Less Common Metals, enhancing its vertical integration and providing a reliable source of critical metals and alloys for the Stillwater facility [4] - This acquisition positions the company to scale production and expand capacity in the upcoming quarters [4] Group 4: Peer Comparison - Among peers, Trilogy Metals Inc. is progressing at the Ambler mining district, while NioCorp Developments Ltd. is advancing its Elk Creek Project, indicating a competitive landscape in the rare earth sector [5][6] Group 5: Market Performance - USAR shares have increased by 18.2% over the past year, compared to the industry's growth of 38.1% [7] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of negative 38.42X, significantly higher than the industry's average of 16.42X, indicating potential valuation concerns [10]
USA Rare Earth vs. Teck Resources: Which Mining Stock Looks Stronger Now?
ZACKS· 2025-12-22 16:46
Core Insights - USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) and Teck Resources Limited (TECK) are key players in the mining industry, focusing on minerals essential for electrification and clean energy technologies [1][2] Group 1: USA Rare Earth (USAR) - USAR is advancing its Stillwater magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma, aiming for commercial production of Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets by early 2026 [3][4] - The company has increased its cash balance to over $400 million through PIPE financing and warrant exercises, which will be used to upgrade the Stillwater plant and expand production capacity to approximately 1,200 metric tons [5][6] - Despite a promising project pipeline, USAR is still in the exploration stage and has not yet generated revenues, leading to continued losses and rising operational expenses, with Q3 2025 selling, general, and administrative expenses reaching $11.4 million [7][8] Group 2: Teck Resources (TECK) - TECK is undergoing a strategic transformation through a merger with Anglo American, which will enhance its copper production capacity to 1.2 million tons annually, projected to increase to 1.35 million tons by 2027 [9][10] - The merger is expected to generate approximately $800 million in annual pre-tax synergies within four years, with significant operational efficiencies anticipated [11] - TECK's long-life assets and growth projects, despite temporary production impacts at Quebrada Blanca and Highland Valley Copper, position the company for stronger cash flow and lower execution risk [24][25] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for USAR's 2025 bottom line is a loss of 65 cents per share, while TECK's estimate is a profit of $1.44 per share [14][15] - In the past six months, USAR's shares have risen by 10.5%, while TECK's stock has surged by 17.1% [17] - USAR is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of negative 33.28X, compared to TECK's forward earnings multiple of 27.46X [19]
USAR Surges 52.5% YTD: How Should Investors Play the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-12-10 17:26
Core Insights - USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) has seen a year-to-date stock increase of 52.5%, outperforming the S&P 500 and Zacks Mining - Miscellaneous industry growth rates of 18.7% and 29.2% respectively, but lagging behind competitors like MP Materials Corp. and NioCorp Developments Ltd. which have surged by 283.5% and 330.3% respectively [1] Stock Performance - The stock closed at $17.51, significantly below its 52-week high of $43.98 and above its 52-week low of $5.56, indicating volatility as it trades below its 50-day moving average but above its 200-day moving average [3] Financial Challenges - Despite a 52.5% increase in shares year-to-date, USAR faces challenges with higher operational expenses and no revenues, resulting in a quarterly loss as project development progresses [8] - Selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $11.4 million from $0.8 million year-over-year, driven by increased legal and consulting costs, higher headcount, and recruiting fees [10] - Research and development expenses increased to $4.45 million from $1.16 million, attributed to higher employee-related costs and other expenses, leading to a loss of 25 cents per share in the third quarter [11] Long-Term Prospects - USAR is advancing its Stillwater magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma, designed to produce Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets for various high-growth applications [12] - The facility is expected to be one of the first large-scale magnet plants in the U.S., supporting domestic rare earth supply chain efforts, with commissioning planned for the first quarter of 2026 [13] - The company is hiring and training engineers and technicians to operate the facility, which is expected to help secure long-term customer contracts [14] Capital and Acquisitions - USAR raised significant capital through PIPE financing and warrant exercises, increasing its cash position to over $400 million as of November 2025, which will be used for upgrades at the Stillwater plant and expanding magnet production capacity [15] - The acquisition of LCM, a UK-based manufacturer of specialized rare earth metals, will accelerate USAR's mine-to-magnet strategy, establishing a complete rare earth supply chain [16] Valuation - USAR is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of negative 41.32X, compared to the industry average of 15.44X, while competitors MP Materials and NioCorp Developments are trading at 88.72X and negative 20.83X respectively [19] Summary of Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for USAR's bottom line for 2025 and 2026 has decreased over the past 60 days, indicating a trend of estimate revisions [17]
Can USA Rare Earth's Stillwater Facility Fuel Its Near-Term Momentum?
ZACKS· 2025-12-04 16:10
Core Insights - USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) is advancing its Stillwater magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma towards commercial production, focusing on Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets essential for various high-growth applications [1][8] Group 1: Facility Development - The Stillwater facility is expected to be one of the first large-scale magnet plants in the U.S., supporting the domestic rare earth supply chain [1] - In 2025, USAR is concentrating on equipment installation and preparing for commissioning in early 2026, alongside hiring and training engineers and technicians [2] - The company aims to enhance its commercial-scale production capabilities and secure long-term customer contracts [2] Group 2: Financial Position - USAR raised over $400 million through PIPE financing and warrant exercises, strengthening its balance sheet as of November 2025 [3] - This capital is allocated for upgrades at the Stillwater plant, expanding magnet finishing capabilities, and completing Line 1b to increase NdFeB magnet production capacity to approximately 1,200 metric tons [3] Group 3: Strategic Acquisitions - In November 2025, USAR acquired Less Common Metals, which will provide critical metal and alloy feedstock for the Stillwater plant [4] - This acquisition positions the company to expand its capacity and scale production effectively in the upcoming quarters [4] Group 4: Peer Comparison - NioCorp Developments Ltd. is progressing with its Elk Creek Project, having completed its first drilling program on schedule and budget, and is launching a second phase to enhance resource quality [5] - Trilogy Metals Inc. is making progress in the Ambler mining district, initiating a core re-boxing program for future use [6] Group 5: Market Performance - USAR shares have increased by 27.1% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 15.4% [7] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of negative 31.79X, compared to the industry's average of 15.21X [10]